Wednesday, September 16, 2009

TEXAS SHEET CAKE - CAKE TEXAN

Lately, I have noticed that sheet cakes have made a kind trendy comeback in America. Not one magazine I've opened lately didn't have a recipe for this old-fashioned bakery item...

This easy to make, classic, humble and single-layer frosted cake baked in a sheet pan or jelly roll pan seems to trigger people's interest again. It provides an ideal solution for a sweet treat at a larger gathering and can be customized as wished, so this is what makes this cake very appealing. It is no wonder it's popularity never seems to decrease.

I've always appreciated the unpretentiousness of sheet cakes and always liked their advantageous shape. And being the big bar addict that I am, sheet cakes somehow remind me of them and feels quite familiar!

As I've been quite busy lately and haven't had much time to bake anything fancy, I thought that I'd go for that variety of cake and prepare something that would look modest, but would be a total knock over.

I have thought a lot about Texas lately. Since my good friends and ex-neighbors Jessica & Jonathan (Jessica has two great blogs named "In Search Of Dessert" and "Jessica Maier Photography") moved to Austin at the beginning of the year, I have wanted to learn more about this southern USA state and it's culinary traditions.

So, in order to expand my food knowledge I decided that, this time around, I was going to bake something from Texas. My choice naturally went to Lisa's ( "Homesick Texan", USA) "Texas Sheet Cake" recipe which I had been eying my for quite a time now.

Whether this famous cake really originates or not from Texas is difficult to say, but there is no doubt that it is very popular in this part of America as you'll have difficulties finding someone who doesn't serve this rectangular chocolatty treat at BBQs, pot-lucks, birthday parties, picnics, bake sales or any other event that'll require portable food.

For me, this "Texas Sheet Cake" is really a revelation as it is super moist, wonderfully chocolaty and droolworthingly rich, yet quite fluffy/soft in texture (it stands somewhere between cake and Brownies). And with it's contrasting crunchy pecan bits, the shiny icing makes this cake even the more irresistible.

This old favorite will fill your chocolate cravings and will soon become your personal favorite after only your first bite!~ Texas Sheet Cake ~Recipe by Lisa at "Homesick Texan".

Method for the "Cake":1. Preheat oven to 200° C (400° F).2. Sift the sugar and flour together in a bowl.3. Melt the butter on low in a saucepan, and when melted add cocoa and water and heat until boiling.4. Pour cocoa mix over sugar and flour and mix well with a spoon.5. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda and chile powder, and mix well with a spoon.6. Pour batter into greased 9x13 inch pan, and bake for about 30 minutes, checking it at 20 minutes.Method for the "Icing":7. Five minutes before cake is done, bring to a boil the butter, cocoa and milk.8. Remove from heat, and mix in sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nuts.9. Beat well, and then spread over cake while both are still warm.10. Let cool on a rack.Remarks:If you want a more chocolaty tasting, you can always add 1 tablespoon more cocoa to the cake batter and the frosting.

Eh! eh! Old fashion you say? LOL ...you cannot imagine how sheet cakes have been a stapple of American desserts ...boy, since I was Pfff... at least 5! And even way before that! I guess since the arrival of Betty Crocker on the baking scene! LOL

Nevertheless, you're also right in thinking they are a classic; easy and simple they make great dessert when you don't have time to fuss.

Either I am way left behind, or something else ... I never heard of this interesting name cake. Sounds really intriguing with interesting flavors such as ancho chile and cinnamon. Your photos making it especially mouth watering.

Yes, you can even see from the picture how very moist this cake is. Very decadent. I'm a big fan of sheet cakes and used to make one for everyone's birthday at the restaurant I once worked in. So popular around here!

Now honey, I think I can do this one! Thank you! giggle. We actually made one of these in my cakes class at the Viking School. YUM. Maybe I'll make one for the nurses tomorrow and let them dive in! I'll enjoy comparing our recipes! <3

Sheet cakes may have fallen out of favor here, but they are still traditionally ordered at bakeries for special occasions like birthdays, retirements and anniversaries. Easiest cake in the world to bake and frost, too. Yours looks scrummy, Rosa!

Superbe! First time I heard the word 'Sheet Cake' was from Martha Stewart's podcast with her nephew, where she halved 2 layers of sheet cakes into 4 and topped it up with generous spread of cream and fresh fruits for her sister.